Conlin cited the Phils’ lack of a fifth starter (and potential troubles at No. 3 and 4) and lack of bullpen depth as reasons for 88 in the year of Jimmy Rollins’ prediction of 100 wins.

Can I disagree? No. But I can make the case that Conlin is underestimating the club just a bit. I do feel they upgraded the pitching (just a little) from the end of 2007. They added Brad Lidge and subtracted Kyle Lohse. That’s a victory. They’ve added Travis Blackley and Chad Durbin and subtracted Jose Mesa and Antonio Alfonseca. Right now, that’s a victory.

I wouldn’t go too far over 88, mainly because Blackley, Durbin and Lidge aren’t exactly favor tilters. But I could give the team 92, maybe 93 wins. It’s imperative they get off to a hot start, however, and we can only hope that’s the case.